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Captain Evans could provide Dublin boost

NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will monitor Andrew Coombs' knee injury this week but are set to be boosted by the return of captain Lewis Evans.

Lock Coombs went down early on in the 37-6 win against Zebre after suffering a blow to his left knee but stayed on and played a vital role before being replaced in the final quarter.

The 27-year-old, usually a back row forward, has enjoyed a fine pre-season and his partnership with new signing Ian Nimmo has been impressive, but the Dragons do have other options meaning there is
no need to take a risk.

Adam Jones replaced him last Friday and Rob Sidoli, player of the year for 2011/12, is back in training after suffering a minor a calf injury.

It means head coach Darren Edwards will have some selection quandaries for Saturday's encounter with Leinster and is hopeful that he will have his skipper back in the mix.

Evans has been troubled by a calf injury all pre-season and was unable to take to the field in any of the Dragons friendlies or in their league opener, but the news is encouraging.

“Lewis went for a second opinion on his calf and is due to start training tomorrow so if all goes well he will be up for selection,” said Edwards.

Nonetheless, the Dragons are still likely to consider adding another openside to their squad given that Darren Waters will miss most of the season after rupturing ligaments in his left knee.

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